NHK Super Hi-Vision at Olympics

This year, the 2012 London Summer Olympics (starting next week) will be the focus of the world. However, it will also be looked upon as a technical achievement too. NHK out of Tokyo will have a few broadcast sites across the world. The marvel is found in Super Hi-Vision, an 8K broadcast signal. This is significantly larger and has more resolution than HD movie theaters.

I’ve seen tests of this on a huge 100”+ TVs that has the capability of producing such a high end signal. It appears that Washington DCwill have the United States’ feed of this broadcast and will have a demo site set up.  The other sites seem to be in Tokyo and the United Kingdom. It’s likely that these viewing sites will have some sort of hi-res monitors. It’s been reported that a 520-inch screen will be made available as well as a 360-inch one as well.  I’ve never seen anything close to those sizes except the American Idol Experience at Disney Hollywood Studios. Even then, I’ve only seen high definition. This Super Hi-Vision makes HD look like a second step cousin.

This sort of technology won’t really be available for consumer use for many years, if ever. However, it explores the possibilities out there. This 8K resolution will require a tremendous amount of bandwidth. This issue really seems to be the limiting one. There is a finite amount of space, and it can’t be exceeded. Therein lies the challenge, compress it more. However, with compression, you bring upon more nasty looking images. So, the challenge is then, how do you compress a very high-end signal, then uncompress it so it looks like perfect. This is always the dilemma. Since we’ve gotten far with TV, we can really only imagine the possibilities of the future.

Canon EOS c300

The other day I had the opportunity to check out the Canon c300! This cinema camera packs a huge 4K punch. It seems heavy at 3 plus pounds, but still very easy to hold. I handled 2 configurations. The first was a simple setup in sticks with a feed going to a monitor. The second was a handheld ENG style unit with a basic lens and pistol grip attached. I must say that I'd like to see some of the accessories available, as going handheld would not be an option as is.

The beauty of the camera was in it's simplicity. Acquisition can be done in log format, which is very nice. The Suer35mm chip is amazing! The recording is 8-bit MPEG, which is OK, but I'd really like to see 10-bit. We were told though that 10-bit tests showed the camera got so hot, parts started to melt. So, until those issues get resolved, 8-bit it is. Also, the MXF option is terrific! It would be so easy to ingest this footage into an Avid system and begin the edit right away.

Another feature I like is the 2 card slot setup. They can be used as one, or separate, doubling record time.  I'd prefer to use my second slot as a safety though. We all know how temperamental computer gear can be. I certainly don't want to be the one to lose footage because of a simple failure.

The camera can be purchased as a PL mount or a EF one. This way, whatever lenses you have, your camera can use them. Just make sure you buy the right one. At about $20,000, you want to make sure you're buying the right body.

Check out these videos that were shot with the c300. These shorts are from Jameson Whiskey. The adult beverage company sponsored these short films, all of which star Kevin Spacey. Below is my favorite one. However, I'd have to say "The Ventriloquist" is a very close second!